Make a Tu-Tu!

I’m really looking forward to seeing the entries for the Handmade Halloween Costume Contest! I know that creativity is in the air (as evidenced by the long cutting lines at the fabric store), but I also know there are some of you who are on a budget—both money and time are running low. So I thought I would give you a simple NO SEW project. I mean, you could sew some of it to make it even more durable, but this works in a pinch.

Whether you’re making for an adult or a child, a fairy, ballerina, or butterfly costume can all have a very similar look. All you need is a tutu and wings, although a wand wouldn’t hurt. First, the Dollar Tree has wings for –uh, well, a dollar. You can handle that right? That leaves the tutu.

1. Cut 1 yard strips of the tulle, folding each strip in half as you go, so that the strips look like they are 18″ long. Use the whole roll.

2. Now fold tulle strips in half length-wise. Cut diagonally from the bottom of the folded side up about 4″. When you unfold them, the ends will look like a point—much like sword. Refer to the pictures below.

3. Cut your elastic according the waist measurement minus 2″. Use a small piece of adhesive Velcro on each end of the elastic. Wrap the elastic around your leg and close the Velcro. It’s time to start knotting your tulle!

4. Slip a piece of tulle under the elastic, the folded end at the top. Spread the folded end (top) between your thumb and fore finger, fold it over the top of the elastic. Slip the loose tulle through the hole and pull it through, creating a knot. I think the pictures will be easier to understand than the words!!

The other side of your knot will look like this:

5. You will want to keep all your “knots” on the same side. Continue knotting, alternating your colors.

6. Optional: Add in ribbon, knotting it just as you know your tulle or you can tie bows. I also added on stick-on gems, both on the tulle and over the end of the elastic over where it closes.